Succulent Pumpkin Centerpieces

These plants are ideal for DIY succulent topped pumpkins

Fall is the perfect time to create bountiful succulent displays atop pumpkins for decorations and gifts. Succulent pumpkin centerpieces are simple to assemble and will add splashes of rich colors to tabletops, entryways, porches, and more. Best of all, your living décor will last well into the holiday season. Use our guide below to help you arrange and maintain your own succulent topped pumpkin.

Hardy succulents like Sempervivum and Sedum are ideal for outdoor pumpkins. Soft succulents, like Echeveria and Crassula, offer tropical and pastel shades, but should be protected from frost.

MATERIALS

1 clump Spanish moss

3 large rosettes (try Echeveria or Sempervivum)

8-12 medium rosettes (try Graptoveria or Heuffelii)

5-8 long-stemmed varieties (try Sedum or Crassula)

Live or faux pumpkin, squash, or gourd (our live pumpkin is 11” in diameter; use more succulents for extra-large pumpkins, and fewer to top small pumpkins)

Hot glue gun

Hot glue sticks

TOPPING YOUR PUMPKIN

Heat the hot glue gun to its lowest temperature and cover the flat top of the pumpkin with glue. Stick a 0.5”-2” layer of moss to the glue, covering the top and leaving a few rough edges hanging down the sides.

Starting near the pumpkin’s stem, glue the largest rosettes cuttings upright to the pumpkin. Apply glue to the base of the succulent (avoid the stem cut if you intend to re-plant) and press it to the pumpkin’s skin.

Continue spiraling outward, gluing the medium rosettes in place. Whereas succulents in the center are glued upright, outer succulents can be angled out to create a bouquet effect. Filling any remaining gaps with smaller cuttings and trailing long-stemmed varieties over the edges will make your centerpiece truly abundant.

NOTE: With certain pumpkins, succulents can be arranged without glue for simple, temporary displays.